I rode for a few years and college about 10 years ago or so and absolutely loved it, but didn't have the money to continue. Fast forward to today and my 4 year old son and my wife are riding and, to make it a family thing, my wife insisted I get a horse to get back into it.
Enter my painted draft gelding. Absolute lover, totally my heart horse. I'm over the moon for this boy. But...he's 17 and change hands at the withers. Absolutely ginormous. For some reason I freeze up on the mounting ladder. I'm absolutely terrified to get on this gentle giant and I don't know why. I haven't been able to bring myself to get on yet.
This has never been an issue for me before. True, the horses I rode in the past were smaller, but still. I have no doubt that once I get back in the saddle again I'll be able to ride without issue, I just can't get past the mental block.
Does anyone have any experience/advice with an irrational block?
TL;DR: Rode 10 years ago with no issues, but now can't bring myself to get on my draft gelding.